At our November GMS Mission Table gathering, members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church will share how they've transformed congregational gatherings to be more hospitable, intentional, and meaningful with the guidance of "The Art of Gathering: How we Gather and Why it Matters" by Priya Parker. (NOTE: The session will include a summary of the book's key principles for those who haven't read it previously!)
At our January GMS Mission Table gathering, Pr. Afi Dobbins-Mays (Assistant to the Bishop for Authentic Diversity) will host a conversation with members from All Saints Lutheran Church in Wales, WI as they share about what God is doing in their hearts as they read together, and wrestle together, around the work of anti-racism and authentic diversity.
What does a mutual partnership grounded in accompaniment look like? Hear stories about the partnership shared between Cross Lutheran in Milwaukee and Unity Lutheran in Brookfield. We'll also learn how to develop a partnership from Pastor Chris Manke of Outreach for Hope. Together we'll be inspired to strengthen existing partnerships between congregations and build new ones.
NOTE: Our March event will take place on 3/19, which is different from our usual timing of the 4th Tuesday of the month. Pr. Matthew Short (Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Mission) will host a conversation about the “Fresh Expressions” movement of mission renewal. Some leaders and congregations in our synod are experimenting with these resources, and we are going to talk about what they are learning, and what it looks like to create forms of Christian community out in daily life that primarily hold space for people who are not connected to our traditional church structures. Please share this with others who you know who might be wondering how to begin or continue this work in their own congregations!
If you have noticed changes in worship attendance and church participation, you are not alone! This month's conversation is an opportunity to set aside blame and shame, to learn how the changes we are experiencing are part of a broader societal shift, and to listen for the Spirit calling us into new adventures in spiritual renewal.
We will be discussing a recent article from The Atlantic entitled, “The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust.” This article, written by a self-professed “agnostic,” will open up a rich conversation and remind us again why God has planted our churches where we are: to make sure more people have access to the life-changing love of Christ, in community.
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for September is “Navigating Partisan Waters – Resources for the Journey.”
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for October is "Creating As a Spiritual Practice."
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for December is "Community Mapping as a Tool for Spiritual Renewal."
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for January is "The Invitational Christian."
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for February is "Church Councils and Faith Formation."
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for March is "This is My Story, This is My Song."
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for September is "A Faithful Response to Artificial Intelligence."
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for October is Hunger Justice
Hear inspiring stories from the Milwaukee Wild Church team about how nature spirituality has influenced their lives.
Theology of Generosity/Stewardship. Join us to explore our own assumptions around money, generosity, and volunteering as we ground ourselves biblically. This event is for laity and clergy, for councils and stewardship teams, and for anyone interested in growing their understanding of generosity.
Join our synod's Mission Table for "Inspired for Mission," a monthly virtual gathering centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church! Our topic for April is Breaking the Chains Church, a prison ministry.
Join our synod’s Mission Table for “Inspired for Mission,” a monthly virtual gatherings centered around inspiring stories of where God is leading our Church!
In May they are joined by the ELCA's Church Property Resource Hub - a new, Churchwide initiative to help leaders leverage their buildings and land for both mission impact and congregational vitality.
